Haruka Kudo is a Japanese actress and former pop singer. She was born on October 27, 1999, in Saitama Prefecture, Japan, and made her debut in the entertainment industry in 2010, as a member of the pop group, Morning Musume. That same year, she made her debut as an actor, taking her first role in a theatrical production. In 2012, she made her television debut and in 2018, she made her first appearance in film. Since then, she has appeared in a variety of theatrical productions, films, and television dramas, including “Sweat and Soap” (2022).

Kudo Haruka

Tachibana Akari (Kumada Rinka) is a second-year university student who has become obsessed with romance-themed comics. Ever since her heart was broken in high school, she has effectively turned her back on real-life love – instead immersing herself in a world of fantasy romance. Comics, she thinks, will help her escape her feelings for her ex-boyfriend.

But things take an unexpected turn when she meets a younger man named Naruse Izumi (Yamanaka Jyutaro) at a party. He is unfailingly honest, a facet of his personality that she finds attractive. Soon, Tachibana Akari starts to develop feelings for him – but is shocked to discover that Naruse Izumi is the younger brother of her high school boyfriend! Will this fact drive them apart – or bring them together?

“Brother Trap” is a 2023 Japanese drama series that was based on a manga series of the same name by Hinata Kyo and directed by Takuya Sakagami, Katsuhiro Omoto, and Ryosuke Fukawa.

Brother Trap

Love is a Trap

Despite her timid nature, Asako Yaeshima (Yuno Ohara) has a passion for her work. A member of the accounting department at Lilia Drop, a toiletry and cosmetics company, Asako absolutely loves the company she works for, as its products are the only ones on the market capable of helping her keep her chronic sweating and rather strong body odor under control. 

Having been teased mercilessly as a child, Asako has developed quite a complex about her natural odor but her company’s products have given her the confidence she needs to overcome her insecurities. At least until the day she meets Kotaro Natori (Kanta Sato). 

A product development planner for Lilia Drop, Kotaro has a highly developed sense of smell which he employs daily. While working on the company’s newest product, he encounters a smell unlike any he has ever sniffed before. Following the scent to its origin, Kotaro finds himself face-to-face with Asako. Unable to resist Asako’s unique musk, Kotaro finds himself drawn to the timid accountant. 

Inspired by her scent, Kotaro asks her to test the company’s newest product and allow him to sniff the results for a week. Unable to find a way to say no, Asako agrees to Kotaro’s unusual request. As the two begin a truly unique working relationship, they begin to realize that they are both so much more than a strong smell and a powerful sniffer. Naturally drawing closer together, will Asako and Kotaro’s working relationship spark a new office romance? 

Based on the manga of the same name, written and illustrated by Kintetsu Yamada, “Sweat and Soap” is a 2022 Japanese romantic comedy drama directed by Shuhie Shibue.

Shows

About

Discussion